Indie singer-songwriter Sam Fender has shared a heartwarming letter giving advice to his younger self. The artist shared the letter while appearing on Scott Mill’s show on BBC Radio 1.

“Don’t feel ashamed for being sensitive and empathetic. That trait is going to be the foundation of your future career” @SamFenderMusic wrote a beautiful letter to his 10 year old self for @Scott_Mills & @Chris_Stark pic.twitter.com/OwRIdZShSH

— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) December 22, 2020

Impactful and emotional, in the letter the artist told his younger self to not be ashamed for being sensitive, and take pride in his emotions despite being bullied. “Don’t pay attention to any of the kids that give you grief for your hair or your weight,” he said. You’re gonna lose all of that in three years anyway, it’s just puppy fat,” Fender wrote. “The bullies who catch you on the stairs are gonna want your autograph 10 years later. Don’t give it to them. Don’t feel ashamed for being sensitive and empathetic – that trait is going to be the foundation of your future career. You’re not ugly, you’re not stupid, so stop telling yourself that.”

The artist also encouraged his younger self to pick up and practice his guitar, and look after the loved ones around him, before signing off with “…stop worrying kid – you’ve got this.” The letter evoked an emotional response from Mills and fans alike, with many praising Fender for his honesty on social media.

However, this isn’t the first time the artist has touched on the topic on metal health. In November, he launched a campaign to drop phone charges for helplines for the most vulnerable members of society, after learning that there is a 40p charge for the service. “We’ve all been on helplines before, you can be stuck on these things for God knows how long. Half an hour will equate to 12 quid and if you’re skint and you’re homeless, or on the brink of being homeless 12 quid is a lot of money,” he tweeted. “To me this makes absolutely no sense, it’s completely scandalous. We shouldn’t be charging people 40 pence per minute.” The campaign has gathered a lot of traction, and has been covered in media publications nationwide.

We’re calling for every local council to provide free helplines for the homeless and vulnerable. Sign our petition‼️‼️ ➡️➡️➡️ https://t.co/RZhCd11flB pic.twitter.com/H8RQ16I82m

— Sam Fender (@samfendermusic) December 3, 2020